Shakira: From Latin Roots to Global Domination, A Conversation with the Queen of Crossover

Shakira, the undisputed bestselling female Latin artist of all time, is more than just a singer; she’s a musical architect. Her journey to worldwide domination is paved with rhythmically rich songs that defy categorization. She masterfully blends pop, bachata, reggaeton, and rock, creating aural fixations that both honor her Colombian roots and seduce American listeners. With four Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards to her name, Shakira’s influence on the music landscape is undeniable. And, of course, one cannot forget her signature hip movements, a visual spectacle that has captivated audiences for decades.

Fresh off the February launch of her world tour in South America, supporting her critically acclaimed 12th studio album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," featuring collaborations with the likes of Cardi B, Karol G, and Rauw Alejandro, Shakira has fine-tuned her stadium show for her North American fans. The tour promises to be a monumental event, kicking off on May 13th.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, she’s set to make history as the first Latin female artist to headline a sold-out show at the Bank of America Stadium, marking another significant milestone in her illustrious career. The tour will then traverse the United States, hitting major cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, and San Diego, before heading south to Mexico. In Mexico, she recently shattered Taylor Swift’s record of four sold-out concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City, achieving an impressive seven (and counting).

During a brief respite before returning to the studio, Shakira, a seemingly ageless 48, exuded enthusiasm as she discussed the visual extravaganza she has painstakingly crafted, the exciting guest appearances she’s planned (including Wyclef Jean and Alejandro Sanz), and the invaluable feedback she receives from her sons, Milán, 12, and Sasha, 10, who serve as her most constructive critics.

We caught up with the global icon to delve into her creative process, her experiences as a mother and artist, and her perspective on the evolving landscape of Latin music.

Interviewer: You’ve had a bit of a break from the tour since your triumphant run in Mexico. How have you been spending the past month?

Shakira: (Laughs) If you can even call it a break! It’s been a whirlwind of activity. I’ve been juggling doctor’s appointments and homework sessions with my kids, all while diligently working on the new wardrobe changes and surprises I have in store for the North American tour. These things take considerable time and preparation. On top of that, I had to prepare for the Met Gala and my appearance on Jimmy Fallon. So, no, I haven’t had a single day off. I’m completely exhausted, but also incredibly excited because I’ll soon be reuniting with my fans in America. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s going to be epic. This is like a renewal of our vows!

Interviewer: What specific preparations are involved in getting back on stage for a two-hour-plus stadium show?

Shakira: It requires a few days of intense rehearsals, making sure everything is functioning flawlessly, from the screens to the music. I’ve also made some exciting additions to the repertoire, including "Underneath Your Clothes," as I know many of my American fans want to hear some of the classics besides "Hips Don’t Lie" and "Whenever, Wherever." There are a lot of elements that are new to this tour, and I’m also thrilled to have friends like Alejandro Sanz joining me on the first date in Charlotte, Rauw Alejandro on my second night in New York, and Wyclef Jean in Charlotte. Sharing the stage with Wyclef after so many years will be a truly one-of-a-kind moment. I’m sure the fans will love hearing him introduce “Hips Don’t Lie” with “Shakira, Shakira.” It’s hard to believe that song is 20 years old.

Interviewer: "Hips Don’t Lie" has become a timeless anthem, performed on every tour. What do you think made that song such a global phenomenon?

Shakira: It’s a song that transcends generations. It was also one of the first songs to incorporate a reggaeton sound back when it was still a niche genre. I remember discovering this groove from Puerto Rico and experimenting with it, building a track around that rhythmic pattern. I never imagined that years later it would have such a profound impact.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned that you used this album to transform pain into productivity. Does performing live also provide a feeling of catharsis? On stage, you always seem completely enraptured by the music.

Shakira: Absolutely. There’s no escaping the connection because the audience is right there, completely immersed in the music. The emotions we share every night are powerful, ranging from joy and celebration to moments of profound emotion when I see people crying and remembering significant moments in their lives. It’s more than just a concert; it’s not about my ego. It’s a community, a union, a dialogue between the audience and an artist who has dedicated her entire life to creating music that has been the soundtrack to their lives. I feel a unique sense of identification. I’ve never encountered more loyal, more passionate fans. They protect me from anything and lift me up when I need it most.

Interviewer: Decades into your career, you’re still achieving unprecedented milestones. You’re the first Latin female act to headline stadiums in Charlotte, Boston, and San Diego, and you recently broke Taylor Swift’s record in Mexico City. Does it all feel a bit surreal?

Shakira: Mexico City was absolutely crazy. We performed for seven nights, and we’re planning to return and make it 11. I never anticipated anything like that. It’s overwhelming, humbling, and, frankly, insane. It is totally surreal, but I’ve poured so much effort into every detail of this show. I’m building the biggest setlist of my career, incorporating visuals that I’ve personally created, along with the narrative and the finer details. There are 145 people on this tour making it happen every night. I’ve composed original music for the transitions in the show, created new choreography and arrangements. I have 13 costume changes, so I feel like this is a culmination of everything I’ve learned throughout these years of making music, a recap of that entire journey.

Interviewer: You’ve been very open about sharing your musical life with your kids. As they get older, has motherhood changed the way you approach your music?

Shakira: Just last night, I was at the studio, and Milán said, "Mommy, come home, I miss you." I was in the middle of a really creative moment and had to say, “Sorry guys, I have to go.” I’m not just an artist. I am, first and foremost, a mother, and they are my absolute priority in life, and they know that. In a way, I have less time to accomplish more, but seeing them and how musical they are inspires me, and I hope I’m showing them how hard you have to work to achieve a result. They are witnesses to how hard I work and how much I give of myself.

Interviewer: Do they introduce you to new music?

Shakira: They’re huge fans of Kendrick Lamar. And the reason I ended up collaborating with Bizarrap in 2023 was because of Milán. He told me I had to collaborate with him, and I said, "Who is that?" and he was like, "He’s the Argentinian god." He turned my attention to his music, and we ended up doing (“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 ) together, and it was a No. 1 hit. I pick their brains and ask for their opinions on everything I do. They have a good eye and good ears, and they are very demanding (laughs). They give me notes after the shows they come to. They always give me comments like, “OK, tonight this happened…”

Interviewer: When you were first starting, there was a strong emphasis on "crossover success," with artists like Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias also recording in English to break into the mainstream. What has it been like to see this new generation of Latin stars rewrite that playbook and succeed with all-Spanish music?

Shakira: If you think about it, for me being Colombian and a woman and also singing in Spanish like with “La Tortura” (in 2005) and having the general market in America playing music in Spanish, that was a real challenge back then. That was one of the few songs that made it of that genre, and that’s why it’s so important for me to have Alejandro (Sanz, who also sings on the track) back with me for opening night. It’s going to be a very special moment.